Vice President Francia Márquez called for security guarantees and immediate humanitarian assistance for the communities of Catatumbo after more than 250 people were displaced due to clashes between ELN and FARC dissidents.
On her social networks, Francia Márquez expressed her concern about the situation of the communities that had to leave their homes in Catatumbo. The Vice President stated: “My call is for respect for the life, territory and dignity of the communities in Catatumbo. It is urgent to ensure security conditions that allow people to return and remain on their lands and to fully exercise their rights.”
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Márquez emphasized the need for institutions that guarantee the protection of the rights of the region’s residents. The official noted that the humanitarian crisis requires structural solutions and an active state presence so that people can live in peace and exercise their rights in their territories.
The Vice President called for immediate action from national authorities and the international community. “I call on the relevant authorities and the international community to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and full attention to the families affected by renewed displacement in this part of the country as a result of the clashes between illegal armed groups, and to take real and effective measures to prevent this situation,” Márquez wrote on his X account.
This call aims for the State and international organizations to ensure security conditions that allow displaced families to return safely and remain on their land.. For the Vice President, attention must be a priority and include health, food and protection assistance, as well as the deployment of institutions in the region.
Francia Márquez reiterated the national government’s commitment to the communities of Catatumbo and to the search for peace in the region. He emphasized that the underlying solution is only possible with respect, protection and lasting institutional presence.
“We know that peace and social justice in Catatumbo will only be possible with respect, protection and institutional presence that responds to the real needs of its people and that is what we are committed to as a national government,” said the Vice President.
This message indicates that the Colombian State must dedicate resources and personnel to provide comprehensive care to the region’s residents in order not only to address the current emergency but also to make progress towards a lasting solution.
Francia Márquez’s reaction came after an eviction warning was registered in the region. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and local authorities More than 250 people, mostly from the municipalities of Tibú and El Tarra, have arrived in the cities of Cúcuta and Ocaña. In Cúcuta, the arrival of 54 family units, about 200 people, was reported, while in Ocaña 11 families, about 50 people, arrived.
According to the NRC, at least 6,000 people are at risk of detention and displacement due to clashes between illegal armed groups. In the town of Pachelly, in Tibú, much of the risk is concentrated due to the presence and actions of organized armed groups.
Márquez’s call coincides with the NRC’s activation of emergency humanitarian assistancewhich warned of the need for safe shelter, food, drinking water and protection for displaced families. The organization also demanded that the state guarantee immediate attention and that armed groups respect civilians.
Humanitarian organizations and the Ombudsman’s Office have also called for a halt to fighting and the establishment of corridors for access by medical and relief teams. The Ombudsman’s Office reported that in the city of La Gabarra, part of the population, including families with minors, remained confined to a school as clashes intensified and explosive devices were used.
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